Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 30, 2026

Patrick Dele-Cole

Patrick Dele-Cole is a Nigerian politician, journalist, historian, and diplomat who in 1976 became the managing director of the Daily Times. He was also a presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the early 1990s, and was Nigeria's ambassador to Argentina and Brazil.

Last revised
Jun 30, 2026
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≈ 2 min
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Patrick Dele-Cole
Education
OccupationsJournalist and Diplomat
Known forManaging director of Daily Times.
ChildrenTonye Cole

Patrick Dele-Cole (born 1940) is a Nigerian politician, journalist, historian, and diplomat who in 1976 became the managing director of the Daily Times.12 He was also a presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the early 1990s,3 and was Nigeria's ambassador to Argentina and Brazil.4

He is author of the book Modern Traditional Elites in the Politics of Lagos.5

Early life and education

Patrick Dele Cole attended the University of Otago in New Zealand, where he graduated with a first-class honours degree. He later pursued further studies at the University of Cambridge.67

Journalism career

Cole began his career in journalism and, in 1976, was appointed managing director of the Daily Times of Nigeria. During his tenure, the newspaper regained its prominence as one of Africa's leading newspapers. He recruited several notable journalists, including Dele Giwa and Stanley Macebuh.89

Political career

Cole served as Nigeria's Ambassador to Brazil from 1990 to 1993 during the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.10 In 2007, he contested the People's Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary in Rivers State but was unsuccessful.

He subsequently challenged the outcome of the primary election in court.11

Cole has continued to comment on governance, public policy and national political issues through newspaper columns and media interviews.12

References

References

  1. "Patrick Dele Cole: The Consummate Newspaperman At 80, By Abdu Rafiu - Premium Times Opinion". 2020-08-08. Archived from the original on 2021-01-16. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
  2. Adams, Joy (2021-03-29). "Successful Entrepreneurs in Nigeria - Their First Jobs (Part 7)". The Journal. Archived from the original on 2021-03-29. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
  3. "Nigerian ex-politico brings insider's view to History Dept". www.thedp.com. 1997. Archived from the original on 2021-07-12. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
  4. "Rain of tributes for media icons | The Nation News Nigeria". Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics. 2021-05-26. Archived from the original on 2021-05-26. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
  5. "Soyinka accuses presidency of using vulgar language at campaigns". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. 2015-03-11. Archived from the original on 2021-03-09. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
  6. "Patrick Dele Cole is 80". The Guardian. 6 August 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
  7. "Patrick Dele Cole: The Consummate Newspaperman at 80". Premium Times. 8 August 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
  8. "Why we are honouring Daily Times icons – Fidelis Anosike". Vanguard. 10 June 2021. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
  9. "Dele Giwa's kind of journalism". TheCable. 20 October 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
  10. "Patrick Dele Cole is 80". The Guardian. 6 August 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
  11. "Court dismisses Dele Cole's suit against PDP". The Nation. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
  12. "No matter where Buhari runs, Twitter is going to chase him, says Dr Patrick Cole". The Sun. Lagos, Nigeria. 12 June 2021. Retrieved 28 June 2026.